Global Health

Azerbaijan faces significant challenges in reducing its relatively high morbidity and mortality rates. In response, USAID worked with the Ministry of Health to focus efforts on improving healthcare in three important areas: (1) tuberculosis (TB) infection control; (2) maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH); and (3) women and children’s nutrition. One of the most pressing challenges concerns the spread of tuberculosis, particularly its multi-drug resistant form. USAID partnered with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and other development assistance partners to incorporate internationally-recognized standards and practices of TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment into the National TB Program and implement these practices across the country through compentency-based training programs. To manage high maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality rates, USAID promoted application of internationally-recognized standards and practices by training MOH staff at various levels in the health system. In assisting this effort, the Ministry of Health in partnership with USAID invested in the development of TB and MNCH health management information systems for country-wide use.

USAID also strengthened women and children nutrition in the country by supporting the Azerbaijan Government’s food fortification initiative that would reduce high levels of anemia and other forms of nutritional deficiency. The USAID-funded National Nutrition Survey, the first of its kind in Azerbaijan, provided important empirical data for the national food fortification initiative.

USAID ended its health activities in Azerbaijan in September 2013.

USAID improved the capacity of the Ministry of Health to implement maternal and child health initiatives.